Spectral catalysts

ABSTRACT

A wide variety of reactions can be advantageously affected and directed by a spectral catalyst which duplicates the electromagnetic energy spectral pattern of a physical catalyst and when applied to a reaction system transfers a quanta of energy in the form of electromagnetic energy to control and/or promote the reaction system. The spectral catalysts utilized in this invention can replace and/or augment the energy normally provided to the reaction system by a physical catalyst. A spectral catalyst may also act as both a positive catalyst to increase the rate of a reaction or as a negative catalyst to decrease the rate of reaction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a divisional of co-pending application Ser. No.09/098,883 filed Jun. 17, 1998 which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/049,910 filed Jun. 18, 1997.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to a novel method to control and/or directa chemical reaction by exposing the reaction system to a frequency orfrequencies of electromagnetic energy duplicating the spectral patternof a physical catalyst.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] A chemical reaction can be activated or promoted either by theaddition of energy to the reaction medium in the form of thermal andelectromagnetic energy or by means of transferring energy through aphysical catalyst. None of these methods are energy efficient and canproduce either unwanted by-products, decomposition of the necessarytransition state, or insufficient quantities of preferred products.

[0004] It is generally true that chemical reactions occur as a result ofcollisions between reacting molecules. In terms of the collision theoryof chemical kinetics it is expected that the rate of a reaction isdirectly proportional to the number of the molecular collisions persecond, or to the frequency of molecular collisions:

rate∝number of collision/sec

[0005] This simple relationship explains the dependence of reactionrates on concentration. Additionally, with few exceptions, reactionrates increase with increasing temperature because of increasedcollisions.

[0006] The dependence of the rate constant k of a reaction can beexpressed by the following equation, known as the Arrhenius equation:

k=Ae ^(−Ea/RT)

[0007] where Ea is the activation energy of the reaction which is theminimum amount of energy required to initiate a chemical reaction, R thegas constant, T the absolute temperature and e the base of the naturallogarithm scale. The quantity A represents the collision frequency andshows that the rate constant is directly proportional to A and,therefore, to the collision frequency. Furthermore, because of the minussign associated with the exponent E_(a)/RT, the rate constant decreaseswith increasing activation energy and increases with increasingtemperature.

[0008] Normally, only a small fraction of the colliding molecules, thefastest-moving ones, have enough kinetic energy to exceed the activationenergy, therefore, the increase in the rate constant k can now beexplained with the temperature increase. Since more high-energymolecules are present at a higher temperature, the rate of productformation is also greater at the higher temperature. But, with increasedtemperatures there are a number of problems which are introduced intothe reaction system. With thermal excitation other competing processes,such as bond rupture may occur before the desired energy state can bereached. Also, there are a number of decomposition products which oftenproduce fragments that are extremely reactive, but they are so shortlived because of their thermodynamic instability that a preferredreaction may be dampened. Radiant or light energy is another form ofenergy that may be added to the reaction medium without the negativeside effects of thermal energy. Addition of radiant energy to a systemproduces electronically excited molecules that are capable of undergoingchemical reactions.

[0009] A molecule in which all the electrons are in stable orbitals issaid to be in the ground electronic state. These orbitals may be eitherbonding or nonbonding. If a photon of the proper energy collides withthe molecule, i.e., the photon is absorbed and one of the electrons maybe promoted to an unoccupied orbital of higher energy. Electronicexcitation results in spatial redistribution of the valance electronswith concomitant changes in internuclear configurations. Since chemicalreactions are controlled to a great extent by these factors, anelectronically excited molecule undergoes a chemical reaction that maybe distinctly different from those of its ground-state counterpart.

[0010] The energy of a photon is defined in terms of its frequency orwavelength,

E=hν=hc/λ

[0011] where E is energy; h is Plank's constant, 6.6×10⁻³⁴ J·sec; ν isthe frequency of the radiation, sec⁻¹; c is the speed of light; and λ isthe wavelength of the radiation. When a photon is absorbed, all of itsenergy is imparted to the absorbing species. The primary act followingabsorption depends on the wavelength of the incident light.Photochemistry studies photons whose energies lie in the ultravioletregion (100-4000 Å) and in the visible region (4000-7000 Å) of theelectromagnetic spectrum. Such photons are primarily a cause ofelectronically excited molecules.

[0012] Since the molecules are imbued with electronic energy uponabsorption of light, reactions occur from entirely differentpotential-energy surfaces from those encountered in thermally excitedsystems. However, there are several drawbacks of using the knowntechniques of photochemistry, that being, utilizing a broad band offrequencies thereby causing unwanted side reactions, undueexperimentation, and poor quantum yield.

[0013] A catalyst is a substance which alters the reaction rate of achemical reaction without appearing in the end product. It is known thatsome reactions can be speeded up or controlled by the presence ofsubstances which themselves remain unchanged after the reaction hasended. By increasing the velocity of a desired reaction relative tounwanted reactions, the formation of a desired product can be maximizedcompared with unwanted by-products. Often only a trace of catalyst isnecessary to accelerate the reaction. Also, it has been observed thatsome substances, which if added in trace amounts, can slow down the rateof a reaction. This looks like the reverse of catalysis, and, in fact,substances which slow down a reaction rate have been called negativecatalysts. Known catalysts go through a cycle in which they are used andregenerated so that they can be used again and again. A catalystoperates by providing another path for the reaction which can have ahigher reaction rate or slower rate than available in the absence of thecatalyst. At the end of the reaction, because the catalyst can berecovered, it appears the catalyst is not involved in the reaction. But,the catalyst must take part in the reaction, or else the rate of thereaction would not change. The catalytic act may be represented by fiveessential steps:

[0014] 1. Diffusion to the catalytic site (reactant)

[0015] 2. Bond formation at the catalytic site (reactant)

[0016] 3. Reaction of the catalyst-reactant complex

[0017] 4. Bond rupture at the catalytic site (product)

[0018] 5. Diffusion away from the catalytic site (product).

[0019] The exact mechanisms of catalytic actions are unknown but theycan speed up a reaction that otherwise would take place too slowly to bepractical.

[0020] There are a number of problems involved with known industrialcatalysts: firstly, catalysts can not only lose their efficiency butalso their selectivity, which can occur due to overheating orcontamination of the catalyst; secondly, many catalysts include costlymetals such as platinum or silver and have only a limited life span,some are difficult to rejuvenate, and the precious metals not easilyreclaimed.

[0021] Accordingly, what is needed is a method to catalyze a chemicalreaction without the drawbacks of known physical catalysts and withgreater specificity than thermal and known electromagnetic radiationmethods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Terms

[0023] For purposes of this invention, the terms and expressions below,appearing in the specification and claims, are intended to have thefollowing meanings:

[0024] “Spectral pattern” as used herein means a pattern formed by oneor more electromagnetic frequencies emitted or absorbed after excitationof an atom or molecule.

[0025] “Catalytic spectral pattern” as used herein means a spectralpattern of a physical catalyst which when applied to a chemical reactionsystem in the form of a beam or field can catalyze a chemical reactionby the following:

[0026] a) completely replacing a physical chemical catalyst;

[0027] b) acting in unison with a physical chemical catalyst to increasethe rate of reaction;

[0028] c) reducing the rate of reaction by acting as a negativecatalyst; or

[0029] d) altering the path of a reaction for formation of a specificproduct.

[0030] “spectral catalyst” as used herein means electromagnetic energywhich acts as a catalyst having a catalytic spectral pattern whichaffects, controls, or directs a chemical reaction.

[0031] “Frequency” as used herein includes the exact frequency or asubstantially similar frequency.

[0032] The object of this invention is to control or direct a chemicalreaction by applying electromagnetic energy in the form of a spectralcatalyst having at least one electromagnetic energy frequency which mayinitiate, activate, or affect the reactants involved in the chemicalreaction.

[0033] In this regards, it is a principal object of the presentinvention to provide an efficient, selective and economical process forreplacing and/or augmenting a known physical catalyst in a chemicalreaction comprising the steps of:

[0034] a) duplicating at least one frequency of a spectral pattern of aphysical catalyst; and

[0035] b) exposing the reaction system to at least one frequency of thespectral pattern of the physical catalyst.

[0036] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a methodto replace a physical catalyst in a chemical reaction system with aspectral catalyst comprising the steps of:

[0037] a) determining an electromagnetic spectral pattern of thephysical catalyst; and

[0038] b) duplicating at least one frequency of the electromagneticspectral pattern of the physical catalyst with at least oneelectromagnetic energy emitter source; and

[0039] c) exposing the chemical reaction system to the at least onefrequency of the duplicated electromagnetic spectral pattern in asufficient amount and duration to catalyze the chemical reaction.

[0040] A further object of this invention is to provide a method toaffect and direct a chemical reaction system with a spectral catalyst byaugmenting a physical catalyst comprising the steps of:

[0041] a) duplicating at least one frequency of a spectral pattern ofthe physical catalyst with at least one electromagnetic energy emittersource;

[0042] b) irradiating the chemical reaction system with the at least onefrequency of the duplicated electromagnetic spectral pattern having afrequency range from about radio frequency to about ultravioletfrequency for a sufficient duration to catalyze the chemical reaction;and

[0043] c) introducing the physical catalyst into the reaction system.

[0044] The above method may be practiced by introducing the physicalcatalyst into the reaction system before, and/or during, and/or afterthe irradiation of the reaction system with the electromagnetic spectralpattern of the physical catalyst, or the reaction system can be exposedto the physical and spectral catalysts simultaneously.

[0045] A still further object of this invention is to provide a methodto affect and direct a reaction system with a spectral catalystcomprising the steps of:

[0046] a) determining an electromagnetic spectral pattern for startingreactant in said chemical reaction system;

[0047] b) determining an electromagnetic spectral pattern for endproduct in said chemical reaction system;

[0048] c) calculating an additive electromagnetic spectral pattern fromsaid reactant and product spectral pattern to determine a catalyticspectral pattern;

[0049] d) generating at least one frequency of the catalytic spectralpattern; and

[0050] e) irradiating the reaction system with at least one frequency ofthe catalytic spectral pattern.

[0051] The specific physical catalysts that may be replaced or augmentedin the present invention may include any solid, liquid or gas catalystand having either homogeneous or heterogeneous catalytic activity. Ahomogeneous catalyst is defined as a catalyst whose molecules aredispersed in the same phase as the reacting chemicals. A heterogeneouscatalyst is defined as one whose molecules are not in the same phase asthe reacting chemicals. In addition, enzymes which are consideredbiological catalysts are to be included in the present invention. Someexamples of catalysts that may be replaced or augmented comprise bothelemental and molecular catalysts, including, but not limited to,metals, such as silver, platinum, nickel, palladium, rhodium, rutheniumand iron; semiconducting metal oxides and sulfides, such as NiO, ZnO,MgO, Bi₂O₃/MoO₃, TiO₂, SrTiO₃, CdS, CdSe, SiC, GaP, WO₂, and MgO; coppersulfate; insulating oxides, such as Al₂O₃, SiO₂, and MgO; andZiegler-Natta catalysts, such as titanium tetrachloride, andtrialkyaluminum.

[0052] While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory ofoperation, it is believed that a physical catalyst provides thenecessary activation energy to the system which initiates and/orpromotes the reaction to form the intermediates and/or final products.Accordingly, it has now been discovered that a physical catalyst can bereplaced by duplicating its spectral pattern and by exposing thereaction system to electromagnetic energy in the form of electromagneticradiation. The quanta of energy, having a specific frequency orfrequencies can be determined by spectroscopic methods and delivered tothe reaction system by means of irradiation from any means of generatingelectromagnetic energy.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0053] A wide variety of reactions can be advantageously affected anddirected with the assistance of a spectral catalyst having a specificelectromagnetic spectral pattern which transfers a predetermined quantaof energy to initiate, control and/or promote a reaction system. Thespectral catalyst utilized in this invention can replace and provide theadditional energy normally supplied by a physical catalyst. The spectralcatalyst can act as both a positive catalyst to increase the rate of areaction or as a negative catalyst to decrease the rate of reaction.Furthermore, the spectral catalyst can augment a physical chemicalcatalyst by utilizing both in a reaction system. The spectral catalystcan improve the activity of a chemical catalyst and may eliminate thehigh pressure and temperature requirements of many reactions. Also, thespectral catalyst can merely replace a specific quantity of the chemicalcatalyst, thereby reducing the high cost of physical catalysts in manyindustrial reactions.

[0054] In the present invention, the spectral catalyst provideselectromagnetic radiation comprising a specific frequency or frequenciesin a sufficient amount for a sufficient duration to initiate and/orpromote a chemical reaction. With the absorption of electromagneticenergy from a spectral catalyst, a chemical reaction may proceed throughone or several pathways including: energy transfer which can exciteelectrons to higher energy states for initiation of chemical reaction;ionize or dissociate reactants which may participate in a chemicalreaction; stabilize end products; and energize or stabilizeintermediates that participate in a chemical reaction.

[0055] If a chemical reaction provides for at least one reactant “A” tobe converted to at least one product “B”, a physical catalyst “C” may beutilized. In contrast, the spectral pattern of the catalyst “C” may beapplied in the form of an electromagnetic beam or field to catalyze thereaction.

[0056] Substances A and B=unknown frequencies, and C=30 Hz;

[0057] Therefore, Substance A+30 Hz → Substance B

[0058] In the present invention the electromagnetic spectral pattern ofthe catalytic agent “C” can be determined by known methods ofspectroscopy. Utilizing spectroscopic instrumentation, theelectromagnetic spectral pattern of the physical catalyst agent ispreferably determined under conditions approximating those occurring inthe chemical reaction using the physical catalyst. Spectroscopy is aprocess in which the energy differences between allowed states of thesystem are measured by determining the frequencies of the correspondingelectromagnetic energy which is either being absorbed or emitted.Spectroscopy in general deals with the interaction of electromagneticradiation with matter. When photons interact with atoms or molecules,changes in the properties of atoms and molecules are observed.

[0059] Atoms and molecules are associated with several different typesof motion. The entire molecule rotates, the bonds vibrate, and even theelectrons move, albeit so rapidly that we generally deal only withelectron density distributions. Each of these kinds of motion isquantified. That is, the atom or molecule can exist only in distinctstates that correspond to discrete energy contents. The energydifference between the different quantum states depends on the type ofmotion involved. Thus the wavelength of energy required to bring about atransition is different for the different types of motion. That is, eachtype of motion corresponds to the absorption of energy in differentregions of the electromagnetic spectrum and different spectroscopicinstrumentation may be required for each spectral region. The totalmotion energy of an atom or molecule may be considered to be at leastthe sum of its electronic, rotational and vibrational energies.

[0060] In both emission and absorption spectra, the relation between theenergy change in the atom or molecule and the frequency of theelectromagnetic energy emitted or absorbed is given by the so-calledBohr frequency condition:

ΔE=hv

[0061] where h is Planck's constant, v is the frequency and ΔE, is thedifference of energies in the final and initial states.

[0062] Electronic spectra are the result of electrons moving from oneelectronic energy level to another in an atom or molecule. A molecularphysical catalyst's spectral pattern includes not only electronic energytransitions but also may involve transitions between rotational andvibrational energy levels. As a result, the spectra of molecules aremuch more complicated than those of atoms. The main changes observed inthe atoms or molecules after interaction with photons includeexcitation, ionization and/or rupture of chemical bonds, all of whichmay be measured and quantified by spectroscopic methods includingemission or absorption spectroscopy which give the same informationabout energy level separation.

[0063] In emission spectroscopy, when an atom or molecule is subjectedto a flame or an electric discharge, they may absorb energy and become“excited.” On their return to their “normal” state they may emitradiation. Such an emission is the result of a transition of the atom ormolecule from a high energy or “excited” state to one of lower state.The energy lost in the transition is emitted in the form ofelectromagnetic energy. “Excited” atoms usually produce line spectrawhile “excited” molecules tend to produce band spectra.

[0064] In absorption spectroscopy the absorption of nearly monochromaticincident radiation is monitored as it is swept over a range offrequencies. During the absorption process the atoms or molecules passfrom a state of low energy to one of high energy. Energy changesproduced by electromagnetic energy absorption occur only in integralmultiples of a unit amount of energy called a quantum, which ischaracteristic of each absorbing species. Absorption spectra may beclassified into four types: rotational, rotation-vibration, vibrationaland electronic.

[0065] The rotational spectrum of a molecule is associated with changeswhich occur in the rotational states of the molecule. The energies ofthe rotational states differ only by a relatively small amount, andhence, the frequency of light which is necessary to effect a change inthe rotational levels is very small and the wavelength ofelectromagnetic energy is very large. The energy spacing of molecularrotational states depends on bond distances and angles. Pure rotationalspectra are observed in the far infrared and microwave and radio regions(See Table 1).

[0066] Rotation-vibrational spectra are associated with transitions inwhich the vibrational states of the molecule are altered and may beaccompanied by changes in rotational states. Absorption occurs at largerfrequencies or shorter wavelength and usually occur in the middle of theinfrared region (See Table 1).

[0067] Vibrational spectra from different vibrational energy levelsoccur because of bending and stretching of bonds. A stretching vibrationinvolves a change in the interatomic distance along the axis of the bondbetween two atoms. Bending vibrations are characterized by a change inthe angle between two bonds. The vibrational spectra of a molecule is inthe near-infrared range.

[0068] Electronic spectra are from transitions between electronic statesfor atoms and molecules are accompanied by simultaneous changes in therotational and vibrational states in molecules. Relatively large energydifferences are involved, and hence absorption occurs at rather largefrequencies or relatively short wavelengths. Different electronic statesof atoms or molecules correspond to energies in the infrared,ultraviolet-visible or x-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum (SeeTable 1). TABLE 1 Approximate Boundaries Region Name Energy, JWavelength Frequency, Hz X-ray 2 × 10⁻¹⁴ − 2 × 10⁻¹⁷ 10-2-10 nm 3 × 10¹⁹−3 × 10¹⁶ Vacuum ultraviolet 2 × 10⁻¹⁷ − 9.9 × 10⁻¹⁹ 10-200 nm 3 × 10¹⁶− 1.5 × 10¹⁵ Near ultraviolet 9.9 × 10¹⁹ − 5 × 10⁻¹⁹ 200-400 nm 1.5 ×10¹⁵ − 7.5 × 10¹⁴ Visible 5 × 10⁻¹⁹ − 2.5 × 10⁻¹⁹ 400-800 nm 7.5 × 10¹⁴− 3.8 × 10¹⁴ Near Infrared 2.5 × 10⁻¹⁹ − 6.6 × 10⁻²⁰ 0.8-2.5 μm 3.8 ×10¹⁴ − 1 × 10¹⁴ Fundamental infrared 6.6 × 10⁻²⁰ − 4 × 10⁻²¹ 2.5-50 μm 1× 10¹⁴ − 6 × 10¹² Far infrared 4 × 10⁻²¹ − 6.6 × 10⁻²² 50-300 μm 6 ×10¹² − 1 × 10¹² Microwave 6.6 × 10⁻²² − 4 × 10⁻²⁵ 0.3 mm-0.5 m 1 × 10¹²− 6 × 10⁸ Radiowave 4 × 10⁻²⁵ − 6.6 × 10⁻³⁴ 0.5-300 × 10⁶ m 6 × 10⁸ − 1

[0069] Electromagnetic radiation as a form of energy can be absorbed oremitted, and therefore many different types of spectroscopy may be usedin the present invention to determine the spectral pattern of thephysical catalyst including, but not limited to, x-ray, ultraviolet,infrared, microwave, atomic absorption, flame emissions, atomicemissions, inductively coupled plasma, DC argon plasma, arc-sourceemission, spark-source emission, high-resolution laser, radio, Raman andthe like.

[0070] In order to study the electronic transitions the material to bestudied may need to be heated to a high temperature, such as in a flame,where the molecules are atomized and excited. Another, very effectiveway of atomizing gases is the use of gaseous discharges. When a gas isplaced between charged electrodes, causing an electrical field,electrons are liberated from the electrodes and from the gas atomsthemselves. These electrons will collide with the gas atoms which willbe atomized, excited or ionized. By using high frequency fields it ispossible to induce gaseous discharges without using electrodes. Byvarying the field strength, the excitation energy can be varied. In thecase of a solid material, excitation by electrical spark or arc can beused. In the spark or arc, the material to be analyzed is evaporated andthe atoms are excited.

[0071] The basic scheme of an emission spectrophotometer includes apurified silica cell containing the sample which is to be excited. Theradiation of the sample passes through a slit and is separated into aspectrum by means of a dispersion element. The spectral pattern can bedetected on a screen, photographic film, or by a detector.

[0072] An atom will most strongly absorb electromagnetic energy at thesame frequencies it emits. Measurements of absorption are often made sothat electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from a source passesthrough a wavelength-limiting device, and impinges upon the physicalcatalyst sample that is held in a cell. When a beam of white lightpasses through a material, selected frequencies from the beam areabsorbed. The electromagnetic radiation that is not absorbed by thephysical catalyst passes through the cell and strikes a detector. Whenthe remaining beam is spread out in a spectrum, the frequencies thatwere absorbed show up as dark lines in the otherwise continuousspectrum. The position of these dark lines correspond exactly to thepositions of lines in an emission spectrum of the same molecule or atom.Both emission and absorption spectrophotometers are available throughregular commercial channels.

[0073] After determining the electromagnetic spectral pattern of thephysical catalyst agent, the spectral pattern may be duplicated andapplied to the chemical reaction system. Any generator of one or morefrequencies within an acceptable approximate range of frequencies ofelectromagnetic radiation may be used in the present invention. Whenduplicating one or more frequencies in a catalyst spectrum, it is notnecessary to duplicate the frequency exactly. For instance, the effectachieved by a frequency of 1,000 Thz, can also be achieved by afrequency very close to it, such as 1,001 or 999 Thz. Thus there will bea range above and below each exact frequency which will also catalyze areaction. In addition, harmonics of spectral catalyst frequencies, bothabove and below the exact frequency, will cause sympathetic resonancewith the exact frequency and will catalyze the reaction. Finally, it ispossible to catalyze reactions by duplicating one or more of themechanisms of action of the exact frequency, rather than using the exactfrequency itself. For example, platinum catalyzes the formation of waterfrom hydrogen and oxygen, in part, by energizing the hydroxyl radical atits frequency of roughly 1,060 Thz. The reaction can also be catalyzedby energizing the hydroxy radial with its microwave frequency, therebyduplicating platinum's mechanism of action.

[0074] An electromagnetic radiation emitting source should have thefollowing characteristics: high intensity of the desired wavelengths,long life, stability and the ability to emit the electromagnetic energyin a pulsed and/or continuous mode.

[0075] Irradiating sources can include, but are not limited to, arclamps, such as xenon-arc, hydrogen and deuterium, krypton-arc,high-pressure mercury, platinum, silver; plasma arcs, discharge lamps,such as As, Bi, Cd, Cs, Ge, Hg, K, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Ti, Tl and Zn;hollow-cathode lamps, either single or multiple elements such as Cu, Pt,and Ag; sunlight and coherent electromagnetic energy emissions, such asmasers and lasers.

[0076] Masers are devices which amplify or generate electromagneticenergy waves with great stability and accuracy. Masers operate on thesame principal as lasers, but produce electromagnetic energy in theradio and microwave, rather than visible range of the spectrum. Inmasers the electromagnetic energy is produced by the transition ofmolecules between rotational energy levels.

[0077] Lasers are powerful coherent photon sources that produce a beamof photons having the same frequency, phase and direction, that is, abeam of photons that travel exactly alike. The predetermined spectralpattern of the physical catalyst can be generated by a series orgrouping of lasers producing the required frequencies. Any laser capableof emitting the necessary electromagnetic radiation with a frequency orfrequencies of the spectral catalyst may be used in the presentinvention. Lasers are available for use throughout much of the spectralrange. They can be operated in either continuous or pulsed mode. Lasersthat emit lines and lasers that emit a continuum may be used in thepresent invention. Line sources may include argon ion laser, ruby laser,the nitrogen laser, the Nd:YAG laser, the carbon dioxide laser, thecarbon monoxide laser, and the nitrous oxide-carbon dioxide laser. Inaddition to the spectral lines that are emitted by lasers, several otherlines are available by addition or subtraction in a crystal of thefrequency emitted by one laser to or from that emitted by another laser.Devices that combine frequencies and may be used in the presentinvention include difference frequency generators and sum frequencymixers. Other lasers that may be used in this invention include, but isnot limited to crystal, such as Al₂O₃ doped with Cr³⁺, Y₃Al₅O₁₂ dopedwith Nd³⁺; gas, such as He—Ne, Kr—ion; glass, chemical, such asvibrationally excited HCL and HF; dye, such as RHODAMINE6G in methanol;and semiconductor lasers, such as Ga_(1−x)Al_(x)As. Many models can betuned to various frequency ranges, thereby providing several differentfrequencies from one instrument and applying to the reaction system (SeeTable 2). TABLE 2 SEVERAL POPULAR LASERS Medium Type Emitted wavelength,nm Ar Gas 334, 351.1, 363.8, 454.5, 457.9, 465.8, 472.7, 476.5, 488.0,496.5, 501.7, 514.5, 528.7 Kr Gas 350.7, 356.4, 406.7, 413.1, 415.4,468.0, 476.2, 482.5, 520.8, 530.9, 568.2, 647.1, 676.4, 752.5, 799.3He—Ne Gas 632.8 He—Cd Gas 325.0, 441.6 N₂ Gas 337.1 XeF Gas 351 KrF Gas248 ArF Gas 193 Ruby Solid 693.4 Nd:YAG Solid 266, 355, 532Pb_(1-x)Cd_(x)S Solid 2.9 × 10³ − 2.6 × 10⁴ Pb_(1-x)Se_(x) Solid 2.9 ×10³ − 2.6 × 10⁴ Pb_(1-x)Sn_(x)Se Solid 2.9 × 10³ − 2.6 × 10⁴Pb_(1-x)Sn_(x)Te Solid 2.9 × 10³ − 2.6 × 10⁴ Dyes Liquid 217-1000

[0078] The coherent light from a single laser or a series of lasers issimply brought to focus in the region where the reaction is to takeplace. The light source must be close enough to avoid a “dead space” inwhich the light does not reach the reactant, but far enough apart toassure complete incident-light absorption. Since ultraviolet sourcesgenerate heat, they may need to be cooled to maintain efficientoperation. Irradiation time, causing excitation of the reactants, willbe individually tailored for each reaction: some short-term for acontinuous reaction with large surface exposure to the light source orlong light-contact time for other systems.

[0079] A further object of this invention is to provide electromagneticenergy to the reaction system by applying a spectral pattern determinedand calculated by waveform analysis of the spectral patterns of thereactants and the products. This catalytic spectral pattern will act asa spectral catalyst to generate a preferred chemical reaction. In basicterms, spectroscopic data for identified substances can be used toperform a simple waveform calculation to arrive at the correctelectromagnetic energy frequency needed to catalyze a reaction.

[0080] Substance A=50 Hz, and Substance B=80 Hz

[0081] 80 Hz−50 Hz=30 Hz:

[0082] Therefore, Substance A+30 Hz → Substance B.

[0083] The spectral patterns of both the reactant and product can bedetermined. This can be accomplished by the spectroscopic meansmentioned earlier. Once the spectral patterns are determined with thespecific frequency or frequencies of the interaction of the substancewith electromagnetic radiation, the spectral patterns of the spectralcatalyst can be determined. Using the spectral patterns of the reactantsand products, a waveform analysis calculation can determine the energydifference between the reactants and products and the calculatedspectral pattern is applied to the system to catalyze the reaction. Thespecific frequency or frequencies of the spectral pattern will providethe necessary energy input into the system to affect and initiate achemical reaction.

[0084] Performing the waveform analysis calculation to arrive at thecorrect electromagnetic energy frequency or frequencies can beaccomplished by using complex algebra, Fourier transformation, orWavelet Transforms which is available through commercial channels underthe trademark MATHEMATICA® and supplied by Wolfram, Co.

[0085] The spectral pattern of the physical catalyst may be generatedand applied to the reaction system by the electromagnetic radiationemitting sources defined and explained earlier.

[0086] The use of a spectral catalyst may be applicable in manydifferent areas of technology ranging from biochemical processes toindustrial reactions.

[0087] The most amazing catalysts are enzymes which catalyze themultitudinous reactions in living organisms. Of all the intricateprocesses that have evolved in living systems, none are more striking ormore essential than enzyme catalysis. The amazing fact about enzymes isthat not only can they increase the rate of biochemical reactions byreactors ranging from 10⁶ to 10¹², but they are also highly specific. Anenzyme acts only on certain molecules while leaving the rest of thesystem unaffected. Some have been found to have a high degree ofspecificity while others can catalyze a number of reactions. If abiological reaction can be catalyzed by only one enzyme then the loss ofactivity or reduced activity of that enzyme could greatly inhibit thespecific reaction and could be detrimental to a living organism. If thissituation occurs, the spectral pattern could be determined for the exactenzyme or mechanism, then genetic deficiencies could be augmented byproviding the catalytic spectral pattern to replace the enzyme. One ofthe objects of this invention is to provide the same frequency orfrequencies of energy in the form of a spectral catalyst that istransferred by an enzyme.

[0088] The invention will be more clearly perceived and betterunderstood from the following specific examples.

EXAMPLE 1

H₂+O₂>>>>>platinum catalyst>>>>>>H₂O

[0089] Water can be produced by the method of contacting H₂ and O₂ on aphysical platinum catalyst but there is always the possibility ofproducing a potentially dangerous explosive risk. This experimentreplaced the physical platinum catalyst with a spectral catalystcomprising the spectral pattern of the physical platinum catalyst.

[0090] To demonstrate that oxygen and hydrogen can combine to form waterutilizing a spectral catalyst, electrolysis of water was performed toprovide the necessary oxygen and hydrogen starting gases. A triple neckflask was fitted with two (2) rubber stoppers on the outside necks, eachfitted with glass encased platinum electrodes. The flask was filled withdistilled water and a pinch of salt. The central neck was connected viaa rubber stopper to vacuum tubing, which led to a DRIERITE column toremove any water from the produced gases. After vacuum removal of allgases in the system, electrolysis was conducted using a 12 V powersource attached to the two electrodes. Electrolysis was commenced withthe subsequent production of hydrogen and oxygen gases. The gases passedthrough the DRIERITE column, through vacuum tubing connected to positiveand negative pressure gauges and into a sealed round quartz flask. Apiece of paper which contained dried cobalt was placed in the bottom ofthe sealed flask. Cobalt paper was used because it turns pink in thepresence of water, and blue when there is no water present. Initiallythe cobalt paper was blue.

[0091] The traditional physical platinum catalyst was replaced byspectral catalyst platinum emissions from a Fisher Scientific HollowCathode Platinum Lamp which was positioned approximately 2 cm from theflask. This allowed the oxygen and hydrogen gases in the round quartzflask to be irradiated with emissions from the spectral catalyst. ACathodeon Hollow Cathode Lamp Supply C610 was used to power the Pt lampat 80% maximum current (12 mAmps). The reaction flask was cooled usingdry ice in a Styrofoam container positioned directly beneath the roundquartz flask, thus preventing any possible catalysis from heat. The Ptlamp was turned on and within 2 to 3 days of irradiation a noticeablepink color was evident on the cobalt paper strip, indicating thepresence of water in the round quartz flask. A similar cobalt test stripexposed to the ambient air in the lab remained blue. Over the next 4-5days, with continued spectral catalyst application, the pink coloredarea on the cobalt strip became brighter and larger. At the end of theexperiment the lamp was turned off but the system remained connected.Over the next 4 to 5 days the pink colored area slowly dissipated,indicating that any water produced in the flask slowly escaped and thatthe water produced was due to the chemical reaction catalyzed by theplatinum lamp and not ambient moisture in the flask. Upondiscontinuation of the Pt emission, H₂O diffused out of the cobalt stripto be taken up in the DRIERITE column and the pink coloration of thecobalt strip faded.

EXAMPLE 2

H₂O₂>>>>>>platinum catalyst>>>>H₂O+O₂

[0092] The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is an extremely slowreaction in the absence of catalysts. Accordingly, an experiment wasperformed to show that the physical catalyst, finely divided platinum,could be replaced with the spectral catalyst having the spectral patternof platinum. Hydrogen peroxide was placed in 2 nippled quartz tubes.Both quartz tubes were inverted in beaker reservoirs filled withhydrogen peroxide and were shielded with card board wrapped in aluminumfoil to block incident light. One of the wrapped tubes was used as acontrol. The other quartz tube set-up was exposed to a Fisher ScientificHollow Cathode Lamp for platinum (Pt) using a Cathodeon Hollow CathodeLamp Supply C610, at 80% maximum current (12 mAmps) for 24-96 hours.This tube set-up was monitored for increases in temperature to assurethat any reaction was not due to thermal effects. A large bubble of O₂formed in the nipple of the tube exposed to the spectral pattern of Pt,but not in the control tube.

[0093] As a negative control to confirm that any lamp would not causethe same result, the experiment was repeated with a Na lamp. (Na in atraditional reaction would be a reactant with water releasing hydrogengas, not a catalyst of hydrogen peroxide breakdown.) The results showedno large bubble formation as with the spectral pattern of Pt emission.This indicated that while spectral emissions can substitute forcatalysts, they cannot yet substitute for reactants. Also it indicatedthat the simple effect of using a hollow cathode tube emitting heat andenergy into the hydrogen peroxide was not the cause of the gas bubbleformation but instead the spectral pattern of Pt replacing the physicalcatalyst caused the reaction.

EXAMPLE 3

[0094] It is well known that certain susceptible organisms have a toxicreaction to silver (such as E.coli, Strep pneumoniae, or Staph. aureus).In this regard, an experiment was conducted to show that the spectralcatalyst emitting the spectrum of silver demonstrated a similar effecton these organisms. Wild E.coli, wild Strep pneumoniae, wild Staph.aureus and wild Salmonella typhi bacteria were plated onto standardgrowth medium in separate petri dishes. Each dish was placed at thebottom of an exposure chamber. A foil covered cardboard sheet with apatterned slit was placed over each culture plate. A Fisher ScientificHollow Cathode Lamp for Silver (Ag) was inserted through the lid of theexposure chamber so that the spectral emission pattern of silver wasirradiating the bacteria on the culture plate. A Cathodeon HollowCathode Lamp Supply C610 was used to power the Ag lamp at 80% maximumcurrent (3.6 mAmps.) The culture plate was exposed to the Ag emissionfor 12-24 hours, and then the plates were incubated using standardtechniques. There was no growth of bacteria in the patterned slitsection exposed to the silver emission for wild E.coli, wild Strep,Pneumoniae, wild Staph. Aureus. The wild Salmonella showed growthinhibition.

EXAMPLE 4

[0095] To further demonstrate that certain susceptible organisms whichhave a toxic reaction to silver would have a similar reaction to thespectral catalyst emitting the spectrum of silver. Cultures wereobtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) which includedEscherichia coli #25922, Klebsiella pneumonia, subsp Pneumoniae, #13883.The organisms were plated onto a standard growth medium in a petri dish.The dish was placed in the bottom of an exposure chamber such as thebottom of a coffee can. A Fisher Scientific Hollow Cathode Lamp forSilver (Ag) was inserted through the lid (aluminum foil covered coffeelid) of the exposure chamber so that the spectral emission pattern ofsilver was shining on the culture plate. A Cathodeon Hollow Cathode LampSupply C610 was used to power the Ag lamp at 80% maximum current (3.6mAmps.) The culture plate was exposed to the Ag emission for 12-24hours, and then incubated using standard techniques. Plates wereexamined using binocular microscope. The E. coli exhibited moderateresistance to the bactericidal effects of the spectral silver emission,while the Klebsiella exhibited moderate sensitivity.

[0096] To demonstrate a similar result using the physical silvercatalyst, a colloidal silver solution was prepared at 80 ppm, using 5 ccof 0.9% sterile saline and distilled water. Sterile test discs forantibiotic tests were soaked in the colloidal silver solution. The sameorganisms were again plated from stock cultures onto standard growthmedium in a petri dish. Colloidal silver test discs were placed on eachplate and the plates were incubated using standard techniques. The E.coli again exhibited moderate resistance but this time to thebactericidal effects of the physical colloidal silver, while theKlebsiella again exhibited moderate sensitivity.

EXAMPLE 5

[0097] To demonstrate that oxygen and hydrogen can combine to form waterutilizing a spectral catalyst to augment a physical catalyst,electrolysis of water was performed to provide the necessary oxygen andhydrogen starting gases, as in Example 1. Two quartz flasks (A and B)were connected to the electrolysis system, each with it own set ofvacuum and pressure gauges. Platinum powder (31 mg) was placed in eachflask. The flasks were filled with H₂ and O₂ to 120 mm Hg, and thepressure in each flask was recorded as the reaction proceeded.Additionally, the test was repeated filling each flask with H₂ and O₂ to220 mm Hg. Catalysis of the reaction by the physical catalyst onlyyielded baseline reaction curves.

[0098] The traditional physical platinum catalyst was augmented withspectral catalyst platinum emissions from two (2) parallel FisherScientific Hollow Cathode Platinum Lamps, as in Example 1., which werepositioned 2 cm from flask A. This allowed the oxygen and hydrogengases, as well as the physical platinum catalyst, to be irradiated withemissions from the spectral catalyst. Rate of reaction, as measured bydecrease in pressure, and after controlling for temperature, increasedup to 70% above the baseline rate, with a mean increase in reaction rateof approximately 60%.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method to augment a physical catalyst ina chemical reaction system with a spectral catalyst comprising the stepsof: a) determining an electromagnetic spectral pattern of said physicalcatalyst; b) duplicating at least one frequency of said electromagneticspectral pattern of step (a) with at least one electromagnetic energyemitter source; c) exposing said chemical reaction system to said atleast one frequency of said duplicated electromagnetic spectral patternthereby augmenting said physical catalyst.
 2. The method according toclaim 1 wherein said physical catalyst is a member selected from thegroup consisting of metals, metal oxides and metal sulfides.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic spectralpattern is determined by spectroscopy methods.
 4. The method accordingto claim 11 wherein said chemical reaction system is irradiated withsaid electromagnetic spectral pattern having frequencies ranging fromabout radio frequency to about ultraviolet frequency.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein said frequency is in the visible lightrange.
 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein said physical catalystis an enzyme.
 7. The method according to claim 1 wherein said physicalcatalyst is introduced into said chemical reaction prior to irradiationwith said spectral catalyst.
 8. The method according to claim 3 whereinsaid spectroscopy is a member selected from the group consisting ofx-ray, ultraviolet, microwave, infrared, atomic absorption, flameemissions, atomic emissions, inductively coupled plasma, DC argonplasma, arc-source emission, spark-source emission, high resolutionlaser and Raman.
 9. The method according to claim 1 wherein saidphysical catalyst is a member selected from the group consisting ofsilver, platinum, platinum oxide, nickel, palladium, rhodium, copper,ruthenium and iron.
 10. The method according to claim 1 wherein saidelectromagnetic energy source is at least one laser.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 11 wherein said physical catalyst is introduced tosaid chemical reaction system subsequent to irradiating said system withsaid spectral catalyst.
 12. The method according to claim 11 whereinsaid physical catalyst is introduced to said chemical reaction systemand irradiating said system with said spectral catalyst is substantiallysimultaneous.
 13. A method for augmenting a physical catalyst in achemical reaction comprising the following steps of: a) duplicating atleast one frequency of an electromagnetic spectral pattern of saidphysical catalyst; and b) exposing said chemical reaction system to saidat least one frequency of said duplicated electromagnetic spectralpattern in a sufficient amount to augment said physical catalyst. 14.The method according to claim 13 wherein said at least one frequency ofsaid electromagnetic spectral pattern is a harmonic frequency of saidelectromagnetic spectral pattern of said augmented physical catalyst.15. The method according to claim 13 wherein said at least one frequencycopies a mechanism of action of said augmented physical catalyst.